Louped: Mitch Katz

Meet Mitch. Known for his focus on collecting iconic vintage, he is part of our growing community shaping the future of watches on Collected. 

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you first get into watches?

My first memory of getting excited about a watch was when my mother bought my father an Omega Seamaster with an exhibition case back in 1964. I was fascinated with the idea that you could actually see the movement at work.

Since I’ve never seen or heard of an exhibition back on one of these, I recently spent a couple of hours researching. I discovered they were imported by the Norman Morris Corporation for case assembly in the US to avoid high duty on movements above 17 jewels, and the calibre 560 was made only for the US market. 
They understood the importance of satisfying the curiosity and knowledge of their retail watch specialists and came up with 
a solution of installing a crystal display back on a limited number 
of these.

Omega Seamaster DeVille Kleerback ref. KL 6292 VB

What’s the story behind the first watch you ever bought?

The first watch I bought was an Omega Constellation Manhattan which I purchased from the first owner and still have today. He was a friend of a co-worker who was visiting our office and was looking to sell it. I put it on and didn’t take it off for many years.

Omega Constellation Manhattan ref. 198.0136

What kinds of watches do you collect today, and how do you decide what makes it into your collection?

Today I mainly collect vintage and some neo-vintage watches with an emphasis on Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Heuer, and a few others here and there. I’ve spent the last five or six years learning as much as I could about vintage watches.

Left Rolex Pre-Daytona ref. 6238; right Rolex Datejust ref. 6604

At first, if I liked something I typically would buy it. Some would stick and others would move on. As my knowledge and under- standing has grown I’ve become more focused on condition 
as well as more patient in trying to find the right piece in the 
best condition.

Left Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5060; right F.P. Journe Linesport Octa Sport ref. ARS

Now, the question I ask myself in deciding what makes it into the collection is will I still want to wear it when the honeymoon period is over or will it wind up spending a lot of time in my watch box?

From top left Heuer Skipperera ref. 7754, Heuer Seafarer Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ref. 2444, Heuer Carrera ref. 2447N, Skipperera on bracelet, Heuer Carrera ref. 2447SN

What’s the most meaningful piece in your collection and why?

The most meaningful watch is my dad’s Seamaster which I mentioned earlier. He wore it everyday for a good part of his life and having it on always makes me feel connected to him.

What’s a brand or reference you think is underrated right now?

Right now, I would say vintage Movado and vintage Gallet are both brands that except for a core of collectors, are undervalued and underrated.

Left Movado M95; right Movado M90 Tiffany & Co.

What’s one watch currently listed on Collected you’re most excited about?

I would say the Rolex Explorer 1016 with the tropical gilt dial from Wes at Collector’s Corner NY.

What do you think most new collectors get wrong when starting out?

Buying too many watches instead of waiting for something special.


What trends or shifts in the market are you paying closest attention to?

I have been very happy to see to the shift to smaller watches over the last couple of years and hope that it continues.

Left Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2545; right Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2457R

If you could add any watch to your collection tomorrow, what would it be?

I am currently looking for a Patek Philippe reference 96 in steel with a sector dial.


What else are you into (beyond watches)?

I am a singer/songwriter and collect vintage guitars and I love driving in vintage car rallies.

Tell us about your 1937 Martin guitar. Why that guitar specifically, and about your hunt for it?

I spent a long time looking for the right ‘37 Martin 00-18 shade top. Martin made very few with shaded tops in the early years. I first found one 7 or 8 years ago in excellent condition but it didn’t have the sound I was after. I’ve had this one about 5 years and it needed a bit of corrective work but has the sound I was looking for. 

1937 Martin 00-18 shade top

Tell us about your green 911. Why the 1973 911S specifically? 
Did you purchase as is, or restore it?

I had a ‘65 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce for 21 years until last August when I sold it. I bought it as an older restoration and did some further sympathetic restoration work on it over the years. 

A few months after selling the Alfa, I acquired the ‘73 911S which I was specifically looking for. Unfortunately, in the short time I had it, it was in the shop most of the time. After dealing with the Alfa for all those years, I decided I wanted something more reliable and as much I liked the 911S, I sold it and bought a 2006 Carrera S Cabriolet a few weeks ago. 

Mitch’s 1973 Porsche 911S Irish Green/Black Pepita

Mitch’s 2006 Porsche 911 997.1 Carrera S, GT Silver Metallic/Black, sport chrono, adaptive sport seats. Photos by Ryan Friedman Motorcars.